Great War Exhibition Announces Principal Partner

Great War Exhibition Announces Principal Partner

The National Military Heritage Charitable Trust today opened the doors of the Great War Exhibition in a special preview to thank the many individuals and organisations who have helped create it.

Created by New Zealand’s foremost storyteller Sir Peter Jackson, the Great War Exhibition will be officially opened by New Zealand’s Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Prime Minister John Key at midday tomorrow.

Trust chairman Brian Roche said the exhibition brings together the best creative talents including Sir Peter, and the talented teams at Wingut Films and Weta Workshop.

“This exhibition tells the story of the First World War from its pre-1914 origins to the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, and honours the role of many New Zealanders including those who served and supported our young men and women,” he said.

“Today we are delighted to announce ANZ as our principal partner in the Great War Exhibition. As one of New Zealand’s biggest companies, ANZ is the perfect partner for the exhibition and we are looking forward to working closely with them over the next four years.”

ANZ chief executive David Hisco said the bank was pleased to support the Great War Exhibition and be closely associated with the latest creation of Sir Peter Jackson.

“We are proud to stand alongside New Zealanders and be part of a project that tells the story of a crucial part of our history.

“During the First World War, many of our staff went off to war including bank clerk Cyril Bassett, the only recipient of a VC for the Gallipoli campaign. We hope everyone who visits the Great War Exhibition will go away with a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made overseas and at home,” Mr Hisco said.
Mr Roche also announced the exhibition’s first philanthropic Gold Patrons, Sir Stephen and Lady Margaret Tindall.

“The Great War Exhibition is made possible through the generous support of many individuals and organisations and we want to also acknowledge our many sponsors, suppliers and contributors, including the New Zealand Government and the Wellington City Council,” Mr Roche said.

The Great War Exhibition, at Wellington’s former Dominion Museum, is open from 12.30pm on Saturday and has extended opening hours from 9am to 11pm daily until May 3, with the exception of Anzac Day when it opens at 12.30pm.

On Anzac Day the ANZ New Zealand Room will open. This special part of the Great War Exhibition tells the story of the Gallipoli landings and provides a detailed look at New Zealand’s role in that campaign. Then in August, the Trench Exhibition will open, offering a close-up experience of warfare “in the trenches” where visitors will hear and smell the challenging environment that thousands of men lived and fought in.

Over the next four years the exhibition will evolve and change to reflect key periods during the First World War.

ends

© Scoop Media